







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Yes, it might be, but I'm very busy with some projects these days. | |
| How do you want me to chop the onions, big or small? | |
| You are right, is there anything you want me to buy on the way? | |
| But which button? It doesn't show which controls which! | |
| My landlords are a gay couple. | |
| Oh Jesus Christ... I get it now! That's disgusting... | |
| Oh f*ck off, I've got to go now... | |
| Hmm, I guess it's a bit old, but it's still my favourite. | |
| But for how many people? | |
| Did I? I don't know... What is it? | |
| Toby! This is Cate, she is my... friend, from London. | |
| That's true! How much is your rent? | |
| Look, you can watch the sunset best from this point. | |
| You don’t look like an English teacher to me. | |
| I have an appointment with the home office for my visa extension. | |
| That's why the rent is much lower than average. | |
| Yes, I still don't do it. | |
| That's nice... I hope she is not a teenager! How old is she? | |
| My friend noted here it is your wedding anniversary! | |
| Come on dear, I know you want me to! | |